Can I use a CB SWR meter for ham radio?
Many hams have re-purposed CB SWR meters but there are so many variations that some caution and testing is warranted. Many CB meters were not designed to handle the higher power levels of amateur transceivers. A 100 watt transmitter could cause component failures within the meter.
Are SWR meters frequency specific?
You are correct – they are designed to cover specific frequency ranges. If you are (or know someone who is) handy with a soldering iron – you can modify a CB SWR meter to cover the range 1Mhz to well above 1Ghz at low power. See: http://ludens.cl/Electron/swr/swr.html for details.
How do I test my VHF antenna?
Remove the connector on the antenna cable from the back of your radio. Insert the tip of a small screwdriver or paper clip into the center contact of the radio’s antenna jack while monitoring your local weather channel. If you can hear the weather broadcast, your radio most likely has good reception.
What is an acceptable SWR?
SWR Range Explanations. SWR 1.0-1.5: The ideal range! If your SWR is under 1.5, you’re in great shape. If you’re at 1.5 and really, really want to drop down to closer to 1 it’s likely possible to do with addition tuning, different equipment or a different mounting location.
What is the proper location for an external SWR meter?
Typically, an SWR meter is placed close to the transmitter, so you can tell if the antenna system (antenna and transmission line) is well matched to your transmitter. So it goes in series with the feed line, between the transmitter and antenna.
Can SWR be too low?
An SWR too low over the whole band (1:1 for all 40 channels) can indicate a low efficiency antenna or lossy component. Safe operation of your CB should be with an SWR of 2:1 or less. Most people would prefer to be 1.5:1 or less.
Is 1.5 SWR good?
How do I test a VHF antenna with a multimeter?
This is the most common test because SWR meters are widely available, inexpensive, and easy to use.
- Disconnect the antenna at the masthead.
- Connect the VHF radio to the SWR meter, and the other port of the SWR meter to end of the coax that was connected to the radio.
- Repeat with antenna connected.
What can cause erratic changes in SWR readings?
Tags: feedline
- The transmitter is being modulated.
- A loose connection in an antenna or a feedline.
- The transmitter is being over-modulated.
- Interference from other stations is distorting your signal.
Does the length of coax cable affect SWR?
Coaxial Cable Length Does Not Change Antenna SWR.
How does an SWR bridge work?
The bridge is balanced (0 Volts across the detector) only when the test impedance exactly matches the reference impedance. When a transmission line is mismatched (SWR > 1:1), its input impedance deviates from its characteristic impedance; thus, a bridge can be used to determine the presence or absence of a low SWR.
What SWR meter should I buy?
What might be useful is a combination power/SWR meter. A couple of relatively inexpensive products in this category are the Diamond SX-200 and the Daiwa CN-501H. They are both just under $100. These products are not really very accurate when it comes to measuring power. At best, their accuracy is ±10%. They are much more accurate when measuring SWR because SWR is a relative, not an absolute measurement.
What is SWR and how to use SWR meter?
– The best place to operate an SWR meter is in a clear, open area, such as a parking lot or field. – Ask anyone in your immediate vicinity to stand a minimum of 20 feet (6.1 m) away from your radio. – You can pick up an SWR meter from any major electronics store or CB radio specialty shop, as well as online.
What is the purpose of a SWR meter?
– It doesn’t take a lot of room – High accuracy – A basic meter model that is easy to use
What does your SWR meter tell you?
A reading of below 1.5 is ideal